Nevertheless, about twenty men came forward, including a guide, and Trent was satisfied.
They started directly after breakfast and for five hours fought their way through dense undergrowth and shrubs with never a sign of a path, though here and there were footsteps and broken boughs.

By noon some of the party were exhausted and lagged behind, an hour later a long line of exhausted stragglers were following Trent and the native guide.

Yet to all their petitions for a rest Trent was adamant.

Every minute's delay might lessen the chance of saving the boy, even now they might have begun their horrible tortures.

The thought inspired him with fresh vigour.